So I built my first bike and am about a half tank through it. I used the manic mechanic hub adapter on the bike. When I roll the bike the chain goes from a nice 1/2" of play each side to about an inch of play each side as the wheel rolls. I take it that something is out of alignment. With the manic hub what should I check? Could it be the motor gear? Where do I start? To the eye it looks to be nice and straight.
Manic hub question..
- Thread starter Beej
- Start date
NunyaBidness
Active Member
If it was the traditional 'rag joint' I'd say it wasn't centered good on the hub. Since it's manic mechanic hub adapter, I dunno.
Venice Motor Bikes
Custom Builder / Dealer/Los Angeles
Well, lets think about this... spin the wheel without the chain & look at what the sprocket is doing. Maybe the adapter is installed wrong? maybe the hub is bent?? There has to be a simple reason that can be found!! 
bairdco
a guy who makes cool bikes
make sure the adapter is tightened down evenly. look at the gaps between the two pieces and make sure they're the same amount.
there can be play in the sprocket holes, however slight, and it'll make a big difference on the chain.
as an example, almost every bicycle has a tight spot and a loose spot in the pedal chain. as you only pedal hard going forward, the hole (or holes) on the sprocket will deform from the torque. in serious cases on one piece cranks, the sprocket will click back and forth because the hole enlarged.
first, check the gaps like i typed above. make sure the sprocket doesn't wobble side to side at all. the adapter could be very slightly crooked, or the sprocket could be warped or tightened unevenly. it's only aluminum, and aluminum will flex and bend and distort. so will steel, for that matter.
with the chain off, spin the wheel and hold a marker near the top of the sprocket, getting it closer and closer till it finds the high spot. mark the sprocket and the adapter in that spot. loosen up the three bolts a little and tap it down on the high spot and re-tighten. if there's still a high spot there, take the sprocket off and move it over one hole. if the high spot is on the same mark on the sprocket, the sprocket's a little off. if the high spot is on the spot of the adapter, the adapter's a little off.
it could be that the sprocket hasn't worn into the chain yet, also. after another half a tank, it might go away.
or maybe Jim just didn't get enough sleep the night before making yours...
there can be play in the sprocket holes, however slight, and it'll make a big difference on the chain.
as an example, almost every bicycle has a tight spot and a loose spot in the pedal chain. as you only pedal hard going forward, the hole (or holes) on the sprocket will deform from the torque. in serious cases on one piece cranks, the sprocket will click back and forth because the hole enlarged.
first, check the gaps like i typed above. make sure the sprocket doesn't wobble side to side at all. the adapter could be very slightly crooked, or the sprocket could be warped or tightened unevenly. it's only aluminum, and aluminum will flex and bend and distort. so will steel, for that matter.
with the chain off, spin the wheel and hold a marker near the top of the sprocket, getting it closer and closer till it finds the high spot. mark the sprocket and the adapter in that spot. loosen up the three bolts a little and tap it down on the high spot and re-tighten. if there's still a high spot there, take the sprocket off and move it over one hole. if the high spot is on the same mark on the sprocket, the sprocket's a little off. if the high spot is on the spot of the adapter, the adapter's a little off.
it could be that the sprocket hasn't worn into the chain yet, also. after another half a tank, it might go away.
or maybe Jim just didn't get enough sleep the night before making yours...
Creative Engineering
New Member
Beej,
The two sets of holes are for two different sprocket adapters.
I make one adapter on a 3 1/8" bolt circle, the other on a 3 5/8" b.c.
The sprockets that I ship to Pirate Cycles are drilled for both adapters.
Changing the sprocket to the other holes will not work! The sprocket will not even bolt up!
Remove the chain and spin the wheel...check to see that the sprocket is running true.
If it is then your problem is more than likely in the chain.
Provided that your hub is matched correctly with the adapter...It is virtually impossible for the sprocket to run out of true.
Jim
The two sets of holes are for two different sprocket adapters.
I make one adapter on a 3 1/8" bolt circle, the other on a 3 5/8" b.c.
The sprockets that I ship to Pirate Cycles are drilled for both adapters.
Changing the sprocket to the other holes will not work! The sprocket will not even bolt up!
Remove the chain and spin the wheel...check to see that the sprocket is running true.
If it is then your problem is more than likely in the chain.
Provided that your hub is matched correctly with the adapter...It is virtually impossible for the sprocket to run out of true.
Jim
CoastalCruiser
New Member
You don't have the wheel clown spoked do you?
Huhwhat? Clown spoked?
Creative Engineering
New Member
Yes...and also look at the chain from the rear of the bike to see if it's twisted. Spin the wheel a bit...have a look...spin a bit more, and have another look.
I've had new chains that were twisted for about a foot, maybe a foot and a half.
Jim
Now I think you got it pinned. It is a bit twisted for about a foot or so. Can it be straightened or am I looking at another expense?
Creative Engineering
New Member
Yes...the best bet is a new chain.
I've never tried to straighten one...I suppose you could try...it can't hurt. It might be an exercise in frustration though.
Jim
I've never tried to straighten one...I suppose you could try...it can't hurt. It might be an exercise in frustration though.
Jim
I emailed the guy I bought it from to see about warranty. If he denies it which is likely then what is the best most cost effective place to get a chain and what chains works good with the adapter?